In recent years, growing concerns have been raised about decisions made in private family law proceedings in England and Wales—particularly where children are removed from their primary carer.
A recurring pattern has emerged: parents who raise allegations of domestic abuse or sexual abuse within child contact disputes sometimes face accusations of “parental alienation”. In some cases, these accusations result in the removal of children from the care of the parent who has been their primary carer.
What the research shows
- The Harm Panel Report (2020), commissioned by the Ministry of Justice, found that family courts often minimise or dismiss allegations of domestic abuse, while survivors risk being labelled as hostile or alienating.
- Barnett (2020) and Grey (2023) highlight how the concept of “parental alienation” is frequently invoked in ways that sideline abuse allegations and silence protective parents.
- The Domestic Abuse Commissioner (2023) raised serious concerns that survivors of abuse may lose custody of their children after disclosing violence.
- At the international level, the United Nations General Assembly Human Rights Council (2023) warned of the global misuse of “parental alienation” claims to undermine women’s and children’s safety.
Together, this body of evidence paints a troubling picture…yet there is no official or systematic data collection in England and Wales to confirm how widespread the practice is. Without this data, survivors remain invisible, and policymakers can avoid accountability.
Right to Equality and Survivor Family Network have developed a short survey to help fill this gap.
We are seeking responses from primary carer parents across England and Wales who have had children removed from their care following private law family court proceedings about child contact with an ex-partner.
We would be deeply grateful if you could:
-Complete the survey if it applies to you
-Share it widely with anyone who may be affected
By taking part, you will help us collect indicative data that can inform advocacy, policy change and legal reform to protect children and survivors.
About the survey
-Takes 10–15 minutes to complete
-Developed with input from academics, legal practitioners, and those with lived experience
-Open from 27th August 2025, until 17th September 2025!
SURVEY LINK
https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/childremovalsurvey/
Resources for support:
https://survivorfamilynetwork.com/resources-and-support-services/
Women’s Aid 24/7 Helpline
24 hours a day phone: 0808 2000 247
Online support: www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/chat-to-us-online/
Rape Crisis 24/7 Helpline
24 hours a day: 0808 500 2222
Or online chat: https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Online Coaching Sessions
Sara Davison Support Groups
Free online group coaching sessions
www.saradavison.com/coaching/heartbreak-to-happiness/
Galop for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic and sexual abuse
At specified times: 0800 999 5428
For opening hours, see: https://www.galop.org.uk/helpline
Surviving Economic Abuse
Advice and guidance for those experiencing financial abuse
https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help/
NSPCC Helpline
For any adult concerned about a child
0808 800 5000 available 10am-4pm Monday to Friday
www.nspcc.org.uk
Legal and Court Assistance
Rights of Women Family Law Advice Line
At specified times: 020 7251 6577
For opening hours see: www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/family-law/
Support Through Court
For those going through civil and family courts without representation
www.supportthroughcourt.org/
CLOCK (Community Legal Companion Service)
Community legal companions from local universities
https://clock.uk.net/
Paralegal support to survivors of domestic abuse in court proceedings
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If suicidal or in a mental health crisis
Call NHS 111 or visit local Accident and Emergency
Shout mental health text support
Text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258
Hub of Hope Service Directory
www.hubofhope.co.uk/
Hopeline247 For under 35s
For anyone under 35 with suicidal feelings 0800 068 41 41
Or text 88247